Blog post by Augustin Hamilton (Quebec Life Coalition) — Photo: QLC

Brian Jenkins, the organizer of "40 Days for Life" in Sherbrooke has once again been fined for his form of expression on public streets.

In 2025, he was fined during the campaign for using "sandwich boards" for commercial advertising, which is prohibited by municipal regulations.

However, the 40 Days campaign is an awareness campaign aimed at protecting the unborn child from abortion, and it is in no way commercial. Nothing is sold and no advertising for products or services is conducted. The messages on the signs invite passers-by to pray for an end to abortion, call for the protection of unborn children, and offer assistance to women through the "Pregnant and Worried?" service. As this service is free, it cannot be characterised as 'commercial'. 

Mr. Jenkins contested the initial fine, which the city ultimately withdrew in September 2026 without notifying his attorney, Olivier Séguin. Mr. Séguin is representing Mr. Jenkins with financial support from the Legal Center for Constitutional Liberties.

On October 3, 2026, Mr. Jenkins received a new fine for the same reason while holding the “40 Days” event in Sherbrooke once again. On October 8, Mr. Séguin wrote to the city’s attorney requesting that both fines be adjudicated as soon as possible. He emphasized that the uncertainty Mr. Jenkins faced regarding the bylaw was hindering his peaceful expression in the public square.

According to Mr. Séguin: "The City withdrew one ticket without notifying counsel, while police issued another for the same peaceful activity. Canadians should not have to guess whether expressing their convictions will bring another prosecution. Fair process requires clear communication, consistent enforcement, and respect for constitutional freedoms. A bylaw governing commercial advertising should not be used to silence peaceful expression.” 

One cannot help but think that the reason given for imposing the fine, as well as keeping the person concerned in a state of uncertainty, clearly indicates a form of persecution by the City against "40 Days for Life." This persecution is intended to discourage the event or limit its expression.